“Boko Haram Strikes Back: Coordinated Assaults Decimate ISWAP Strongholds in Borno”

By: Zagazola Makama

In a dramatic escalation of inter-factional violence, fighters from Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad (JAS), commonly known as Boko Haram, have unleashed a series of meticulously coordinated assaults against rival insurgent group, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The attacks, which spanned December 23 and 24, left scores of ISWAP militants dead and resulted in the dismantling of their operational strongholds in northern Borno State.

Credible sources informed renowned security analyst Zagazola Makama that the assaults targeted strategic ISWAP hubs, including Toumbun Gini, Mangari, Toumbun Saje, and Metele. The Boko Haram fighters executed these operations with ruthless efficiency, overwhelming ISWAP militants, and capturing 20 motorcycles—critical for mobility in the unforgiving terrain of Borno.

Eyewitness accounts describe a scene of chaos and defeat for ISWAP forces, who fled their camps in disarray. Reports indicate that many escaped barefoot, clutching only the clothes on their backs, as Boko Haram fighters dismantled their infrastructure and confiscated supplies.

The attacks have left ISWAP reeling, with indications that the group is now avoiding direct confrontations with Boko Haram while focusing on regrouping and fortifying its dwindling forces. However, this tactical retreat has sparked concerns about the growing influence of Boko Haram across northern Borno, raising alarms about the potential resurgence of the faction in areas previously dominated by ISWAP.

The development marks a significant shift in the dynamics of insurgency in the region, with Boko Haram regaining momentum in its long-standing rivalry with ISWAP. Security analysts warn that the escalating conflict between the two factions could lead to further destabilization in the region, leaving civilians caught in the crossfire of this relentless power struggle.

The ongoing clashes underscore the complex and evolving nature of insurgency in Nigeria’s northeast, as rival factions vie for dominance while the region grapples with the humanitarian and security crises fueled by their activities.